Appropriateness of carpal tunnel syndrome management compared with the AAOS appropriate use criteria: A retrospective review across various specialties

•The first study to assess the AAOS Appropriate use criteria for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome.•The usability of the AUC in carpal tunnel syndrome was evaluated against a cohort of patients in a single center.•A significant difference was observed in the appropriateness rate across orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and plastics surgery.•The AUC of CTS management is a valuable and practical tool that can be applied in clinical settings.